Live Blog 1 - Chloe Rabinowitz

This ofrenda dedicated to Juana Maria really stuck out to me. Her resourcefulness resonated with me because I believe it embodies so much of the women’s feminism movement across the world. The idea that this young woman was able to survive on this island without outside influences is empowering. Then, the people who took her away from this island “rescued” her by bringing her back to society. However, this ultimately ended poorly for her and the missionaries that took her from this land did not rescue her, they caused her downfall. Sadly, this is a similar story for many Native Americans and indigenous people who have suffered from the oppressive and unjust stealing of their land. The altar itself is so powerful because it tells her story just by looking at it. The natural elements that comprise this ofrenda transcend us out of physical boundaries and time restraints to this moment in history and the sadness of the outcome for Juana Maria. While sad, it honors her resilience against this system and her ability to demonstrate the inherent natural power of women, and their beautiful connection with mother earth.